5th Port Authority employee tests positive for coronavirus
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A fifth Port Authority employee has tested positive for covid-19, officials said Friday.
The employee works in maintenance at the authority’s garage in West Mifflin. The person, who was not identified, last worked on April 10 and has been in self-quarantine on paid leave since then.
The Port Authority said it has mobilized a crew to clean the West Mifflin garage and the employee’s work areas. Another employee, who works closely with the infected employee, has been directed to self-quarantine at home, with pay, pending medical clearance.
Port Authority spokesman Adam Brandolph said the authority continues to follow the protocols and guidance issued by public health authorities in addressing potential and confirmed covid-19 cases.
“We have 2,600 employees. We have five confirmed cases. So, we are making sure that all of our employees are following the guidelines from the Allegheny County Health Department and the CDC,” Brandolph said. “But beyond that our employees are not immune, just like anyone else.”
Brandolph said as of Friday the Port Authority has 59 employees being held out of work pending covid-19 testing.
Beginning Monday, the Port Authority will require visitors to its Downtown Service Center to wear masks in compliance with a new state order.
Port Authority officials said they also strongly encourage vehicle passengers to wear masks.